uk steam train trips 2022

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Steam Train Trips, Tours and Rides

Day Trips Including A Steam Engine

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Steam Train Trips, Tours and Rides 2023/2024

While we do not run or book any steam train trips or rides, we try and identify in the below list the majority of steam train day trips and tours operating on the rail network for 2023 and 2024. Note that parts of the journey may be intentionally pulled by a diesel or electric locomotive.

Please check / confirm on the promoters website for cancellations and steam traction / other changes to these trips, particularly with the upcoming strikes.

The Pick Up Area section indicates the rough area of pick ups. See promoters website for exact details

During hot dry periods it is possible steam engines may be replaced by diesel or electric locomotives

While we do not run or book any steam train trips or rides, we try and identify in the below list the majority of steam train day trips and tours operating on the rail network for 2023. Note that parts of the journey may be intentionally pulled by a diesel or electric locomotive.

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The Lakelander Event

The lakelander, sat 13th april 2024, saphos trains, pick ups between :, leicester & preston.

Engines Involved: Steam / Diesel or Electric

Settle & Carlisle Steam Special Event

Settle & carlisle steam special, northern belle, liverpool lime street & warrington, the white rose event, the white rose, wed 17th april 2024, hereford & manchester victoria, sat 20th april 2024, telford & chester, the welsh marches express to hereford event, the welsh marches express to hereford, vintage trains, birmingham & wolverhampton(not set down).

Engines Involved: Steam

Horsham & Chichester to Bath & Bristol Event

Horsham & chichester to bath & bristol, steam dreams, horsham & chichester, clan line 50th anniversary pullman event, clan line 50th anniversary pullman, sat 27th april 2024, london victoria, coventry & crewe, settle & carlisle fellsman event, settle & carlisle fellsman, wed 1st may 2024, blackpool north & clitheroe, english riveria express event, english riveria express, sat 4th may 2024, shrewsbury & bristol temple meads, the royal duchy event, the royal duchy, sun 5th may 2024, rail touring company, bristol temple meads & taunton, east anglia to chatsworth, crich & barrow hill event, east anglia to chatsworth, crich & barrow hill, wed 8th may 2024, colchester & ely.

Engines Involved: Steam / Other

The Great Western Railway (1Z48) Event

The great western railway (1z48), fri 10th may 2024, birmingham snow hill & oxford.

Engines Involved: Steam / Diesel

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Event

The cumbrian mountain express, sat 11th may 2024, london euston & preston.

Engines Involved: Steam / Electric

The Golden Age of Travel by Steam Event

The golden age of travel by steam, the golden arrow event, the golden arrow, pathfinder railtours, birmingham new street & didcot parkway, london to chester event, london to chester, london euston & northampton, welsh marches express event, welsh marches express, tue 14th may 2024, coventry & bristol temple meads, the edinburgh flyer event, the edinburgh flyer, sat 18th may 2024, york & newcastle, nottingham & preston, the pembroke coast express event, the pembroke coast express, sun 19th may 2024, bristol temple meads & cardiff, thu 23rd may 2024, crewe & wigan, the mancunian event, the mancunian, sat 25th may 2024, manchester piccadilly & stockport, darlington & newcastle, london to cheltenham & worcester event, london to cheltenham & worcester, london paddington & reading, the shakesphere express event, the shakesphere express, sun 26th may 2024, derby & coleshill parkway, windsor to norwich & bressingham steam & gardens event, windsor to norwich & bressingham steam & gardens, tue 28th may 2024, windsor & eaton riverside & clapham junction, thu 30th may 2024, high wycombe & bristol temple meads, the cumbrian coast express event, the cumbrian coast express, sat 1st june 2024, crewe & bristol parkway, the mersey express to liverpool event, the mersey express to liverpool, tyseley & crewe, wed 5th june 2024, crewe & clitheroe, the dalesman event, the dalesman, thu 6th june 2024, york & skipton, the tynesider event, the tynesider, sat 8th june 2024, london kings cross & peterborough, leeds & preston, the ffestiniog express event, the ffestiniog express, dorridge & crewe, tue 11th june 2024, chester & preston, thu 13th june 2024, west kent to winchester event, west kent to winchester, tonbridge & bromley south, the bath & bristol steam express event, the bath & bristol steam express, sat 15th june 2024, swanage & southampton, leeds & manchester victoria, london to paignton & kingswear via dawlish event, london to paignton & kingswear via dawlish, london paddington & newbury, sun 16th june 2024, birmingham snow hill & stratford upon avon, thu 20th june 2024, the cumbrian moutain express event, the cumbrian moutain express, sat 22nd june 2024, woking & salisbury, the red dragon to cardiff event, the red dragon to cardiff, tyseley & cheltenham spa, tue 25th june 2024, paignton & bristol temple meads, the swanage belle event, the swanage belle, wed 26th june 2024, london victoria & basingstoke, the scarborough spa express event, the scarborough spa express, thu 27th june 2024, carnforth & york, the cheshireman event, the cheshireman, sat 29th june 2024, london euston & nuneaton, sun 30th june 2024, worcester shrub hill & droitwich spa, tue 2nd july 2024, wed 3rd july 2024, the north wales coast express event, the north wales coast express, sat 6th july 2024, london euston & crewe, northampton & watford junction, the white rose to york & scarborough event, the white rose to york & scarborough, birmingham new street & york, the waverley event, the waverley, sun 7th july 2024, the end of southern steam event, the end of southern steam, tue 9th july 2024, thu 11th july 2024, the golden hind event, the golden hind, milton keynes central & maidenhead, sat 13th july 2024, crewe & preston, sun 14th july 2024, liverpool lime street & chester, leicester & coleshill parkway, pendle dalesman event, pendle dalesman, tue 16th july 2024, lancaster & clitheroe, thu 18th july 2024, the west somerset steam express event, the west somerset steam express, sat 20th july 2024, bedford & reading, sun 21st july 2024, tue 23rd july 2024, the dorset coast express event, the dorset coast express, wed 24th july 2024, sat 27th july 2024, sun 28th july 2024, bristol temple meads & exeter st davids, wed 31st july 2024, thu 1st august 2024, sat 3rd august 2024, wolverhampton & bristol temple meads, sun 4th august 2024, tue 6th august 2024, the kentish belle event, the kentish belle, wed 7th august 2024, london victoria & bromley south, thu 8th august 2024, sat 10th august 2024, sun 11th august 2024, thu 15th august 2024, sat 17th august 2024, poole & westbury, lincoln & wakefield, sun 18th august 2024, sat 24th august 2024, the cotswold venturer event, the cotswold venturer, london victoria & didcot, slough & westbury, sun 25th august 2024, wed 28th august 2024, thu 29th august 2024, sat 31st august 2024, hereford & preston, hull & wakefield, sun 1st september 2024, tue 3rd september 2024, wed 4th september 2024, bournmouth & bristol temple meads, thu 5th september 2024, the stratford flyer event, the stratford flyer, sat 7th september 2024, norwich & peterborough, sun 8th september 2024, wed 11th september 2024, thu 12th september 2024, sat 14th september 2024, liverpool lime street & preston, tue 17th september 2024, thu 19th september 2024, sat 21st september 2024, the coast to coast express event, the coast to coast express, liverpool lime street & sheffield, birmingham international & watford junction, wed 25th september 2024, thu 26th september 2024, the atlantic coast express event, the atlantic coast express, sat 28th september 2024, london waterloo & basingstoke, wed 2nd october 2024, peterborough & potters bar, thu 3rd october 2024, sat 5th october 2024, norwich & shenfield, wed 9th october 2024, worcester shrub hill & bristol temple meads, sat 19th october 2024, coventry & chester, sun 20th october 2024, sat 26th october 2024, nottingham & sheffield.

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Welcome Aboard Take your seat for a nostalgic journey with Tornado . Steam trains remind us of a time when travel was glamorous and exciting; on board our tours we bring this experience to life as we venture across the country to some superb destinations. Book a tour

Look through our programme of tours to see the great destinations on offer. With many joining stations to choose from, your day out with Tornado may start closer than you think!

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Sit back and relax as we take the scenic route through rolling hills and along coastal paths to reach our destination.

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Join us for ‘The Aberdonian’ and ‘The Clyde Aberdonian’ trains. Offering the ultimate day out in Scotland as these tours wind along the stunning coastal route through the summer.

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Enjoy silver service at your table as we present a hearty cooked breakfast and sumptuous four course supper, all freshly cooked by the team of on board chefs.

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We are moving to our new works this week and our office will be closed during this time and we will not be available to answer any calls or emails. Online donations and bookings will be unaffected.

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Steam Train Holidays in the UK, Europe and Worldwide

Each year we provide an ever changing programme of tours, some that run on an annual basis with updated itineraries to include new elements and activities. Others that are brand new tours running for the very first time, this year includes – Isle of Man and Ireland. Believe it or not travelling by steam train along ‘main lines’ is still a possibility in a number of countries across the world. We take full advantage of this, wherever possible, by using specially chartered trains for our tour parties, travelling over unusual routes that are rarely used by passenger trains. We offer an interesting variety of steam locomotives representing various track gauges, taking advantage of these opportunities whilst they are still available. Many of our tours make use of the Channel Tunnel by using the Eurostar services available, some would say this is an experience in itself. Destinations such as Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland can be reached comfortably in a single day, using the ever increasing network of high speed railway routes that are available.

 Some of our holidays use the same hotel in one location for the full duration of stay, using this as a base for day trips mainly by train.

Tours that make use of a one centered hotel include the following: Lake Constance and Four Countries (St Gallen); Swiss Bernese Oberland (Wengen); and Alpine Steam Express (Solothurn) and our brand new Isle of  Man tour, just to name some. This is a forever changing trend that seems to become more popular from year on year, providing our customers with a home from home experience.     The variety of countries visited by our tours includes many European destinations, some of our most popular are Switzerland in winter (“Highlights of Switzerland”); “Winter in Austria & Bohemia”; Bulgaria (“Black Sea Express”); Norway; France (“Autumn in Alsace”); “Highlights of Germany to the Harz Mountains, Isle of Ireland ("Emerald Explorer")  Our wide range of holidays ensure that there is something of interest for everyone

We have many holidays available in the UK, ranging from the Orkney ("Far North and Orkney") and Shetland Isles ("The Shetlander") to Devon and Cornwall ("West Country Explorer")  Venture to North Wales ("Snowdonia and Northern Fells") Embrace the lakes in Cumbria ("English Lake District") visit Her Majesty the Queen's country estate at Sandringham ("The East Anglian").

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Steam Enthusiast Tour Calendar

Welcome to our unique programme of steam tours which are now open for booking. Below you will find a fantastic series of steam tours in the UK, Europe, and Worldwide including ever popular steam destinations such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, America, and New Zealand.

We look forward to the pleasure of your company soon discovering destinations that other tour operators do not reach.

Please also find our Expressions of Interest section at the bottom of this page. These are tours that are currently being finalised which will then be added to the tour list once released. You can follow the link to Express Your Interest and be one of the first to receive details of the tour as soon as they are available.

Last Updated: 11 April 2024

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Steam Train Tours 2024/2025

elive the bygone age of rail travel on one of our many tours within the UK and mainland Europe that incorporate wonderfully scenic journeys on historic steam railways. Our Steam Rail Tours Collection features journeys on a number of the UK's well-loved steam railways, including the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the Severn Valley Railway and the Ffestiniog Railway.

Steam Train Tours

Edinburgh, the highlands & islands.

Explore the highlands of Scotland

9 Days from £1,495PP

Majestic lochs and glens lie in wait as you journey from Edinburgh to the Highlands. Enjoy local delicacies along the way, culminating in a celebratory 'Scottish Evening'.

Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man

6 Days from £820

Experience the timeless charm of the Isle of Man with its fantastic range of railways, including steam, electric and tram journeys, idyllic landscapes and classic seaside towns.

Highland Adventure

5 days from £745 PP

Take in a stunning, unspoilt region by rail. Breathtaking scenery and fantastic journeys by mainline and steam railways; this tour takes in the very best of northern Scotland from our base in Inverness - the gateway to your Highland adventure.

Railways & Castles of Wales

6 days from £945 PP

Experience the very best of North Wales from charming Llandudno, soaking up scenery from aboard historic steam railways and visiting castles dotted along beautiful coastline.

Lakes and Dales by Steam

5 Days from £395 per person

From your base in Carlisle, travel on three incredible railway lines, and enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the spectacular north of England, including the world-famous and UNESCO-listed Lake District.

Royal Deeside and The Tornado Steam Train

5 days from £945 PP

We visit two of Scotland's most charismatic cities, immersing ourselves in the local culture of Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Taste local specialties - Arbroath smokies and whisky - explore the V&A Museum of Design, and embark on a First Class journey on the fantastic Aberdonian Tornado Steam Train.

Colditz, Meissen & Saxony by Steam

8 days from £1,165 per person

Boasting winding valleys and rugged mountain ranges, Saxony is among Germany's most scenic regions. We discover its prettiest towns and its beautiful scenery on excursions by historic narrow-gauge railway.

London & The Royal Windsor Steam Express

5 days from £770 per person

Spend 4 days getting under the skin of the English capital on this inclusive London city break. Enjoy 4-Star accommodation in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, meet with a Yeoman from the Tower of London, and ride the Royal Windsor Steam Express Train whilst sipping a chilled glass of Champagne.

A Castle on the Shores of Loch Fyne

7 Days from £1080 PP

Set in idyllic, undiscovered surroundings overlooking picturesque Loch Fyne, a 19th century Baronial Castle awaits you on this magnificent tour. Cruise the open waters to the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, explore nearby Oban and Inveraray.

Yorkshire by Steam

5 Days from £339PP

Discover glorious Yorkshire from Harrogate. Enjoy ancient York, delightful Brontë country, and take a rail journey through the stunning scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors.

Norwich & Norfolk

5 days from £409 PP

Explore the meandering waterways and heritage railways of Norfolk. Based in historic Norwich, this rural getaway takes in the North Norfolk Coast, the royal residence of Sandringham and quaint market towns.

The Highlands by Steam

6 Days from £595 PP

Experience Edinburgh before exploring the lochs, mountains and glens of Perthshire and the Cairngorms on spectacular mainline and steam railways from the pretty Perthshire village of Blair Atholl.

Limestone Mines, Canal Cruise & Steam Special

2 Days from just £129 pp Departures: September - October Return coach travel Overnight stay at a selected 3-star hotel in the Midlands area with dinner & breakfast Excursions to the Limestone Mines (with inclusive canal cruise) , Red House Glass Cone Heritage and Craft Centre & Bridgnorth

Christmas Carols on the 92. Squadron Steam Train

2 Days from just £139 pp Departures: December Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with breakfast. Exclusive steam train journey with 92. Squadron on the heritage Nene Valley Railway, including mulled wine, mince pies, brass band, carol singers and a visit & gift from Santa En-route visit to a Christmas Market

Christmas Carols on the Union of South Africa Steam Train

2 Days from just £139 pp Departures: December Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel in the North West area with breakfast Exclusive steam train journey behind the Union of South Africa including mulled wine, mince pies, brass band, carol singers and a visit & gift from Santa En-route visit to Manchester Christmas Markets Free time in Bury

Flying Scotsman Steam Train & Classic Cambridge

3 Days from just £229 pp Departures: October 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Train journey behind the Flying Scotsman on the heritage Mid-Norfolk Railway Free time in Norwich En-route visit to Cambridge

Tenby, Royal Mint & Brecon Mountain Railway

5 Days from just £349 pp Departures: October 4 nights at the Mercure Swansea Hotel with dinner & breakfast Excursions to the Royal Mint Experience, Cardiff & Tenby Heritage train journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway Scenic drive through the Brecon Beacons National Park

The Welsh Marches & Severn Valley Railway

5 Days from just £279 pp Departures: September 4 nights at the Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa, Bromsgrove with dinner & breakfast Excursions to Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Llandrindod Wells, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford & Worcester Heritage train journey on the Severn Valley Railway Cruise on the River Severn with light refreshments

Great Little Trains of North Wales & Portmeirion

5 Days from just £299 pp Departures: October 4 nights at a selected hotel in Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway Free time in Llandudno

Picturebook Pembrokeshire, Tenby & the Vale of Rheidol Railway

5 Days from just £369 pp Departures: April - October 4 nights at the Best Western Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli with dinner & breakfast Excursions to Haverfordwest, St Davids, Aberystwyth & Tenby Heritage train journey on the Vale of Rheidol Railway

Learn about the British Pullman

The carriages.

This restored 1920s train has sheltered royalty and been a star of the silver screen. Each whimsically-named carriage has a story to tell. Explore Audrey, Vera, Minerva and more to discover their distinctive personalities. Delight in antique-style marquetry, vintage lighting and heritage upholstery, where our passion for preserving history is evident at every turn.

Damaged in 1940 by air raid at Victoria Station, repaired and rejoined Brighton Belle in 1947. Carried the Queen, the Queen Mother and H.R.H. Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh to review the Fleet in 1953. Transported the Queen on her visit to Sussex University 1964.

Cygnus was used in the special Festival of Britain rake in 1951, and was often reserved for use by Royalty and visiting Heads of State. It featured in the film ‘Agatha’ with Vanessa Redgrave and Dustin Hoffman.

In 2021, Cygnus was reimagined by filmmaker Wes Anderson. The new look features stunning symmetrical marquetry, bold rectilinear shapes and a visual feast of complementary colours.

In 1948 was used, with sister car Mona, to convey H.M. Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) to Brighton. Brighton Belle service withdrawn in 1972. Preserved as a restaurant at The Horseless Carriage, Chingford, Essex, and later at the Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham, Essex.

1925 by Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Co. Sold to La Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express Européens for service in Italy. History: Purchased by the Pullman Car Company Ltd. in 1928 and returned to Britain for Golden Arrow service. Entered Cunard boat train service between Victoria and Southampton 1952. Retired 1968.

Built in 1928 as a First Class kitchen car. Served on Ocean Liner services and Bournemouth Belle until 1939. Later ran on Queen of Scots, Golden Arrow, Yorkshire Pullman, South of Wales Pullman and the high speed Talisman route before retiring in 1968.

Built in 1928 as a First Class parlour car for the Queen of Scots Pullman. Transferred to Southern Region in 1963 and ran in Bournemouth Belle until 1967. Preserved by Mr E. Lewis-Evans at the South Eastern Steam Centre, Ashford until 1984.

Built in 1927 and served many Pullman routes. Joined the Devon Belle in 1947 and the Golden Arrow in 1951, being used in the special Festival of Britain rake. Often included in special trains for state visits and royal use in the early 50s.

Designed in the 30s but not completed until 1951. Used in the special Festival of Britain rake as part of the Golden Arrow service. Formed part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965. Part of the last journey of the Golden Arrow in 1972.

Favourite carriage of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother: used by General de Gaulle and visiting Heads of State; made last journey of Golden Arrow 1972. Became stationary restaurant in Lyon, France 1973.

Vera was directly hit in an air raid at Victoria Station in 1940. Roof extensively repaired, she rejoined Brighton Belle in 1947. Used by Royalty to review the Fleet in 1953 and for Prince Charles’ and Princess Anne’s first trip on an electric train in 1954. Brighton Belle service withdrawn in 1972. Preserved as a garden house in Suffolk.

Built in 1928 as a First Class parlour car. After the war, she joined Queen of Scots and Yorkshire Pullman until 1955, and then the Golden Arrow until 1960. Retired in 1965 as part of the final run of the Tees-Tyne Pullman.

Sensational Destinations

Vibrant cities, ancient castles, stately homes and celebrated sporting events... When you step aboard British Pullman, there's a whole world of possible destinations. Discover the historic gems of Bath, York or Canterbury. Feel like royalty as you explore Blenheim Palace or Sandringham. Feel the buzz at key calendar moments, such as the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot. Wherever you go, you'll start and end your day in style aboard our vintage carriages.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Anticipate a day of lifelong memories without ever leaving the train. Spoil someone special with a classic Afternoon Tea or signature Golden Age of Travel lunch. Dress to impress and step aboard for a glamorous dinner with a renowned celebrity chef. Sleuth your way through a cast of unforgettable characters on an exciting Murder Mystery trip. Soak up the timeless atmosphere and raise a toast as you set off on a round-trip through the beautiful Kentish countryside.

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Reimagining A British Icon with Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson is one of the most pioneering directors working today. Now, fans of the director’s distinctive style can embark on a new cinematic adventure about a vintage train carriage.

Dead on Time: A New Murder Mystery

One train. Five courses. Ten suspects. Dead on Time, a brand new immersive murder mystery experience on board a historic 1920s train, sets off from London for a wildly entertaining, irresistibly vintage whodunnit…

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Luxury train travel is often wistfully remembered as a bygone era, immortalised on the silver screen. Rediscover some of the most memorable portrayals of train travel in cinema, then get ready to plan your own dream trip to relive the romance of the rails.

Destination Guide

Explore Britain by Rail

The romance of rail travel is encapsulated by Belmond British Pullman. Everything comes easily on this luxurious journey, from the beautiful views to the incredible food served onboard. The experience of sipping champagne as you glide through the British countryside in our sumptuous carriages is, quite simply, divine.

Privacy in Motion

Luxury travel by train and boat enjoys a starry legacy—recalling cinematic glamour, overflowing bubbles and peerless hedonism. From elegant private coupés aboard a 1920s carriage to spacious cabins on elegant river barges, which exclusive adventure will you choose?

Homegrown Heritage

Stepping aboard Belmond British Pullman offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the golden age of travel. We’re determined to deliver authentic adventures.

The Very Best of British

“It is forever true that the Golden Age is not behind us, but before us." It’s a line that perfectly captures the experience of traveling on Belmond British Pullman

The Rise of Trainspotting

With trainspotting yet another trend that reinvents the humdrum hobby, is embracing the individuality of our quirky personal passions the key to joy?

Grand Yorkshire Tours

Day trips & sightseeing tours in yorkshire, explore the yorkshire countryside, yorkshire's dales & moors, our most popular tour, steam trains, whitby & the moors, discover herriot country, yorkshire dales of all creatures great & small, bespoke private tours, guided tours of yorkshire - just for you, transfer tours, combine your transfer day with a sightseeing tour, what are you looking for, day trips from york.

Guided tours with hotel pick-up included

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Private Tours of Yorkshire

Bespoke driver-guided tours, just for you

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• Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off - 7 People Per Group - Steam Train Ticket Included

Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off is INCLUDED on this tour of the Yorkshire countryside which includes an unforgettable steam train ride, the Yorkshire coast at Whitby and the amazing North York Moors. Steam train tickets are included and you’ll enjoy a truly small-group experience – with ONLY 7 PEOPLE PER GROUP .

• Clock 8.5 hours
• Tags Day Trip

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Tours. excursions. travel. transfers..

Join us for a day trip from York with Grand Yorkshire – York’s premier operator of private excursions, group tours, executive travel, and airport transfers. Grand Yorkshire offers you the opportunity to discover the fantastic highlights of Yorkshire: day trips to Castle Howard, day trips to Whitby from York, day trips on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the region’s famous steam railway, and day trips from York to the Yorkshire Dales and Fountains Abbey.

At Grand Yorkshire, we pride ourselves on offering impeccable service, guaranteeing you an unforgettable experience during your time in Yorkshire, whether you are visiting the stunning North York Moors, the majestic Yorkshire Dales, or any of the many fabulous destinations and attractions located across the county.

Day trips with Grand Yorkshire are for small groups only — we never use big coaches!  You’re joined by an experienced driver-guide, giving you access to a wealth of information about the places you are visiting and advice on how to make the most of your time at each destination or attraction on your day trip from York.

Top-Rated Tours Based in York

Absolutely amazing journey I’d do again! Informative, exciting, and wonderful! Chris, our guide/driver did a fantastic job!

This was a wonderful tour. Chris was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and the sites. It was a small group, and being picked up and dropped off at our hotel was so convenient; so it was like having your own personal tour guide. There are dramatic landscapes and poignant moments in historic churches and ruins. There were enough stops along the way, and enough time in Whitby to do your own thing. I would highly recommend this tour! KL

This was the most amazing day ever! We were all All Creatures Great and Small fans so it made for a great day seeing all the sites. Chris was so accommodating! This tour is worth every penny to be able to focus on what you really want to see! I would do it again if I come back to York!

I can’t say enough about this tour. It was absolutely fantastic. I honestly can say I have never had a better tour guide. Chris literally drives you through his home and provides a wonderful balance of history and lore as he takes you along back roads that lead to areas only he knows about. He even added an extra piece to the end of the tour, which he could have secretly skipped. He is also very personable, talking about home life growing up in the area. The tour itself was fantastic and it was brought to exceptional life with the help of our tour guide. This is a must for those who want to experience the history and culture of Yorkshire.

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Magical journeys.

Magical journeys await! Whatever your heart desires, we have a carefully crafted journey and route that's destined to ignite your imagination. Each route is a gateway to a world of wonder, promising unique experiences, scenic beauty, and cherished memories.

REFINE JOURNEYS

Horsham and Chichester to Bath and Bristol

East Anglia to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill

London to Chester

London to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill Beer Festival

Windsor to Norwich & Bressingham Steam & Gardens

London to Paignton & Kingswear via Dawlish

The Garden of England Lunchtime Tour

Sunset Steam Express

Haywards Heath & Three Bridges to Oxford

London to Exeter

Southend to Chester

London & chiltern hills to bath.

Sussex Coast Tour

London to Goodwood Revival & Chichester

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Book a day-trip by steam train in 2022

Xbook a day-trip by steam train in 2022.

The golden age of travel still exists in the UK, with heritage railway tours offering luxurious seating, top food and plenty to drink on a range of tours by steam train. While it’s fun to watch a steam train rushing past, but they can only do so if people are on board, so why not be one of those people in 2022? Be one of the people inside the train waving back as excited bystanders wave at you.

Prices start from £40 for a trip to Windsor, through to slightly eye-watering prices for top of the range fine dining trips.

(c) Railway Touring Company

The tours vary a great deal from a chance to tour around the countryside in standard class heritage trains to a luxury restaurant on wheels. Personally, if you’re going for a special treat, try to go for the meals, as they really evoke the air of the upper-class golden age of travel at the turn of the 19th century.

(c) Belmond

And you don’t need to be a railway enthusiast to travel on heritage trains.

These tours are aimed at people seeking a nice day out, and most people travelling by heritage train are general interest travellers who come with their partners, family and friends.

Most of the day tours include a few hours at a notable town to visit and look around before heading home.

All tours listed below start and return to London.

Note, the tours are expected to be majority steam hauled services, but some dates haven’t confirmed that yet – always check with the tour operator before booking.

List of UK heritage train tour operators

A1 Steam (Tornado)

Belmond British Pullman

Charity Railtours

GBRf Charity Railtours

Hastings Diesels

Midland Pullman

Nenta Traintours

Northern Belle

Pathfinder Railtours

Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust

Rail Charter Services

Railway Touring Company

Retro Railtours

Royal Windsor Steam Express

Saltburn Railtours

Saphos Tours

Scottish Railway Preservation Society

Steam Dreams

Sunset Steam Express

UK Railtours

Vintage trains

West Coast Railways

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One comment

For anyone thinking of booking any of these, do your own research on the operators first. Some operators are experiencing non-covid related issues and have been for several months.

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